Luke 23:6-12·~1 min

Jesus before Herod

Pilate sends Jesus to Herod after learning he is a Galilean. Herod is pleased to see him and hopes for a miracle, but Jesus answers nothing. The chief priests and scribes accuse him strongly, Herod and his soldiers mock him in a robe, and Herod and Pilate become friends that day.

W⁶hen Pilate heard this, he asked if the man was a Galilean. ⁷And learning that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself was in Jerusalem at that time. ⁸When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased. He had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see Him perform a miracle. ⁹Herod questioned Jesus at great length, but He gave no answer. ¹⁰Meanwhile, the chief priests and scribes stood there, vehemently accusing Him. ¹¹And even Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him. Dressing Him in a fine robe, they sent Him back to Pilate. ¹²That day Herod and Pilate became friends; before this time they had been enemies.

Section summaryPilate learns that Jesus belongs to Herod’s jurisdiction and sends him to Herod in Jerusalem. Herod hopes to see a sign, but Jesus gives no answer. The chief priests keep accusing him, Herod and his soldiers mock him, and the two governors become friends.

Role in the chapterThis scene moves Jesus from Roman inquiry to Herod’s curiosity and mockery, while the silence of Jesus and the hostility of the rulers remain unchanged.